Controversial restaurant chain has been compared to Hooters

December 16, 2010|By Mick Swasko, Tribune Reporter

A controversial restaurant planned for Naperville will be granted a liquor license, but officials are placing restrictions on the business based on concerns some residents have that it will damage the city's wholesome image.

The city announced Thursday that Show Me's, planned for 1126 E. Ogden Ave., will be allowed to serve liquor. But the restaurant, which has been compared to Hooters, must close by midnight each night, its servers will be required to wear at least a full T-shirt and cuffed shorts, and outdoor seating and amplification will be prohibited, as will activities in the parking lot.

Mayor George Pradel, who serves as the city's liquor commissioner, said he contacted mayors and police officials in other towns where Show Me's were located. "They had good things to say about Show Me's," he said.

Pradel said the restaurant still needs occupancy and Health Department inspections before approval is final.

As for concerns about the clothing of the servers, Pradel said the T-shirts that will be required may show some skin, but not all that much.

Cote said none of the 14 other Show Me's faced as much scrutiny as in Naperville. But he said the opposition brought attention to his business.

Naperville resident Laura Rapsys, who previously spoke against the restaurant, said she was disappointed in the decision.

"Show Me's needs Naperville more than Naperville needs Show Me's," she said. "You're bringing in riffraff from other towns."

Rapsys said she is encouraged that restrictions were implemented, but still thinks the license should have been denied.

"With elections coming up, (Pradel) may have just ruined his chance (at re-election)," she said.

Word of the restaurant's plan to open spurred protests and public comment since October. Residents had expressed safety concerns, saying it would threaten nearby neighborhoods, as well as damage what they called the city's "family-friendly" image.